Cracked subframe

[Bramdeman]

I was under my car to adjust the gear linkage and noticed to my horror that the subframe is cracked about halfway through on both sides

I think it has been for a while too as the cracks already have some light rust.

Is it ok to weld this? I REALLY don't feel like replacing the whole damn thing

[rpruen]

I don't see why you can't weld it. IT would need to be done properly, but othet than that should be fine.

As a precaution, unplug both ECUs before doing the welding, and also the alternator.

Richard

[Milosz_480]

I REALLY don't feel like replacing the whole damn thing

If you've got spare one it's about 2-3 hrs to change it. But you need sth to hold engine and then change steering gear etc..... when I think about everything in front suspension it's too much worko. Weld it better

[Bramdeman]

But you need sth to hold engine and then change steering gear etc..... when I think about everything in front suspension it's too much worko. Weld it better

Those were my thoughts exactly and i fear on a turbo its more than 3 hours work. I am a little worried what the MOT people are going to think about welding it come august Im not really worried that welding won't hold as i've been driving it in its current state for (i think) about 2 weeks.

[SanPhire]

If you can pull a decent weld - then there shouldn't be a problem on the MOT.
Most of my Beetle is weld - very little original metal!
As others have said - make sure all the electrics grounded to the body are disconnected if you're using an arc welder - I forgot once - it was an expensive mistake

[SteveR]

One for sale on ebay

[Bramdeman]

Thanks all! Its welded pretty good now (aka i had some else do it for me ) and i'm fairly sure it won't crack again. But i doubt it will pass the belgain MOT. Wich is in august already.

I don't think i'll have any problem finding a subframe if it doesn't pass MOT like this. The 440 turbo one's with the old type rear engine mount should be the same right?

[rpruen]

Yes the 440 subframe is the same, the only thing that is different is that it will have a lage lump of cast iron bolted to it. That can be removed before you fit it to the car.

Richard

[pol]

Can you not just gring the weld down, prime and paint it? Maybe add a bit of waxoyl.... Disguise it like... You know its safe enough or you wouldnt use it, but for the MOT's sake... Thats what i'd probably do.

Saying that, changing a subframe isnt too bad a job.

pol

[Bramdeman]

I've decided to replace the whole damn thing after all. Its no fun driving over speedbumps and wondering if the welds are holding

Will any kind of pre 92(?) 440-480 subframe fit or do i need a turbo model?

[rpruen]

I think any will do, as long as it's not an automatic,

Richard

[kingrichy]

I think there are only three different kinds of subframe`s.
1 - with the old type engine-mount.
2 - with the new type engine-mount.
3 - for the automatic gearbox.
And they should be all the same on the 440, 460 and 480.

[Bramdeman]

Thanks again, i found a 440 subframe for 30euro's I'm fitting it next saterday, gonna do the rear shock bushings as well while i have her on the carlift.

[hebruins]

Sorry for the english guys, but my post is in Dutch because then I can expres my self about this topic more easely. (one of a kind action)

If someone feels the need to translate, be my guest


@ Bram:

Heb toevallig zelf laatst een hoop gedonder gehad met mijn subframe door een stoeprandje en de sneeuwval eerder dit jaar.

Voor de APK hier in nederland mag je niet aan het subframe lassen daar het een zeer belangrijk deel is wat de wegligging van de auto bepaald. De Volvodealer heeft 3 uur nodig om één te wisselen. nieuw kost een subframe hier 650 EX btw bij de Dealer. Er zijn 2 types subframes welke bij de modelwisseling in 1992 zijn gewisseld. Bijde types zijn NIET uitwisselbaar helaas en het 2de type is vrij zeldzaam.

Het verschil zit em in de brug waar de motorsteun op komt, de enen is vlak (oude type) en de andere is golvend (nieuwe type)

Of een 440 en de 460 het zelfde subframe hebben durfde de volvodealer me niet te vertellen en als ik jou was zou ik er niet op gokken tenzij je het zeker weet.

mocht je nog meer vragen hebben pm me maar. In het nederlands is dit net ff makkelijker te verwoorden dan in het engels

[Bramdeman]

@hebruins

Well my car is registered in belgium so i don't have to worry about APK, instead i have to get it checked out by the (belgian) goverment. They only check a few things, but one of the things is rust under the car and play on the suspension. And even though im sure the subframe is safe as it is, its not pretty and it will probebly be a problem.

650euros actually isn't so bad when you compare it some other volvo prices. Still there's now way im paying that much. I'd rather scrap the whole car just out of principle

I'm just gonna try and see if the 440 frame will fit, i'm pretty sure it wil. I also found a post 92 frame should anybody ever need it. But i needed the old type so thats no problem either.

It takes volvo 3 hours? Then we shall try it in 2!

[Bramdeman]

The "new" subframe is fitted, a 440 one fits just fine after removing the cast iron weight thing just like Richard said.

But i was planning to do the bushings on top of the rear shocks too. But i'm not so sure if that is my problem since they look ok. When i drive over an uneven road their is a knocking sound coming from the rear. Its done this for a long time but its getting worse. Its definitely not the exhaust btw. And i can't find any play on anything.

any ideas ?

[catgroom]

Yes I think it is the rear drop links.Theyre only thin rods which support the rear axle.

Both of my Turbos have had this fault and many more 480 drivers I have heard complain about it!!!!!

[Bramdeman]

Thanks Catgroom i'll have another look down there

[kingrichy]

Catgroom,
You mean the linkage to the anti-rollbar, they always make a knocking sound

[catgroom]

Yes they do King Richy-but they should not!!!!!!This is my point!!!!!!

They can squeak when replaced with new ones I hear,but the knocking is a sign that they do need replacing.